Album Notes

THE ARTIST: Randy Graves began playing the didgeridoo in 1993 and within a few years became known as one of the best teachers and performers of the instrument in the USA. He has since taught a lot of people, released a lot of recordings, and relocated to the remote Aboriginal communty of Yirrkala in Northeast Arnhem Land, Australia. He now works at Buku-Larrnggay Mulka, the Yirrkala Art Centre, and among other work, manages sales of authentic yidaki/didjeridus for www.yirrkala.com.

THIS RECORDING: Randy has prepared a cd of the rhythms he teaches in his workshops for any intermediate or advanced player who needs someone to play with at home, particularly for players who have the basics but want to expand their rhythmic techniques. Exercises drill double and triple tonguing, the bounce breath, diaphragm rhythm playing and retroflexed tonguing. Plus there's three tracks of clapsticks alone in different tempos, for the student's solo practice.

THE YOUR DIDJERIDU COMPANION CD SERIES: Unique among didjeridu teaching materials, the "Your Didjeridu Companion" series simply satisfies every budding player's desire - someone to play with and learn from! Through the years Randy has been teaching the instrument, he's developed a series of rhythms that help students learn fundamental techniques in rhythmic playing. He presents them on these cd's, explaining each rhythm or technique before playing it. Rhythms are then played for 2-3 minutes, with clapsticks for you to keep up, and a microphone by Randy's nose so you know when he breathes! Each track is notated with a memorable phrase.

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On the first "Companion," Randy provides basic short rhythms which challenge players of many levels to develop precise technique and rhythmic control. The second disc explores development of the rhythms on the original "Companion," and the third teaches "Odd" meters. The fourth cd gets deep into mellow didj playing.